Greetings to the lovely people of Rivers State, and welcome to the Easter episode of Rivethics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that Easter also means that when they bury truth in a grave, it will not stay there. Our topic this weekend is on the Lessons of Easter.
The real essence of Christianity is centred around Easter and its significance. It is not the outward display of religion as many Nigerian worshippers seem to focus on. Beyond the popular crusades, prayer vigils, dry fast and miracle explosions, Jesus calls His disciples to the practice of simple faith and obedience projected in several altruistic acts of benevolence expressed as love, truth, justice, honesty, mercy, forgiveness and self-sacrifice.
Like Jesus, maybe you have been betrayed by a very close associate or denied by a trusted friend. Perhaps you have been rejected by family or community and left alone to your fate and your trust in your God. In all, how have you responded? Did you try to do what Jesus will do in your circumstance, or have you allowed your human self to win? These are some of the lessons of Easter we are supposed to reflect on this weekend.
For their Easter opinion of 2017, the Nigerian Guardian editorial team had a strong message for Nigerians for their Easter reflections as follows: “The death and resurrection of Jesus challenges incumbent and aspiring leaders in Nigeria to abandon the path of selfishness and greed, and the inordinate ambition for power at whatever cost, which have been the bane of our socio-political history. With Jesus’s commitment to a life of love, humility, service and sacrifice eventually vindicated by the event of the Resurrection, and celebrated yearly at this time by believers through the course of history, Easter challenges Christians and non-Christians alike to embrace those higher values exemplified in Jesus that guarantee ultimate fulfillment for individuals and lasting peace for societies.” This message by the Guardian remains very relevant for Nigerians today as it was last year. As we celebrate, let us pursue the path of love, peace, forgiveness and draw wide, inclusive circles that take in everyone, irrespective of tribe, gender, creed, colour or background.
Our guest speaker this Easter is a distinguished theologian, life coach and leadership mentor, Mr. Reigner Davies. He is also the College Director of the Mouldbreak Learning Community. He will be sharing with us his views on the topic. Please enjoy the episode.
Our good people of Rivers State, don’t forget to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.
Her Excellency, Justice (Mrs.) Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike, the wife of the Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, the Governor of Rivers State. She is the Initiator of the RivEthics Character Development Programme.
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below